The British Council has published a report from the think-tank DEMOS on culture and soft power - Influence and Attraction. It looks at the role of culture in the relationships between countries, including in diplomacy, examines trends and looks at options for development. Missed opportunity in glossing over scientific culture in the mix, but interesting nevertheless.

The UK Museums Association undertook a vision consultation - Museums 2020 - in 2012. A major output of this exercise has been released - Museums Change Lives, which presents a vision for the future social impact of museums and their roles as agents of social change.

The second plenary of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES-2) is to be held in December 2013 in Antalya. Preparation documents are available for consultation, including a workplan.

A very valuable resource on science advice in government in the UK is available from the Cambridge Centre for Science and Policy - report edited by Rob Doubleday and James Wilsdon, previews and seminar media are available on the website